The Complete Guide To A Career In Trucking
Choosing A Trucking Company: Applying For A Job
The most important thing to keep in mind when applying to the trucking companies is that if there's something in your past, they're probably going to find it.
You don't want to leave anything out that could be construed as trying to hide something, and many times the omission itself, rather than the item on your background check, is enough to trigger a rejection on your application.
We've set up a handy online tool that will send applications to multiple companies with one form.
How soon should I apply for a truck driving job?
Pretty much right away. You want to avoid getting your CDL and then sitting on it without driving, as most companies will want some sort of recent driving activity, even if you just got your license.
Forum - How soon should I apply for a truck driving job?
Typically, companies want to see applications within 30 days of expected graduation from trucking school. So start applying when you're 30 days out from graduation, which usually means right after you start school!
Forum - Question From Truck Driving Newbie
Am I supposed to apply to companies now for pre-hire or wait until I'm in school since I'm not looking for company sponsored CDL training? Thanks in advance!
Where should I apply for a job?
If you attend private truck driving school, then they should be able to provide you with the names of some companies that typically hire their students. Get as many pre-hire letters as possible.
Beyond that, if your past is a little more "checkered" with potential problems, you're going to want to apply to more companies, or at least companies that give a little more leeway, at least until you gain some experience.
Company-Sponsored Training Reviews
Company-sponsored CDL training is simply a truck driving school owned and operated by a trucking company. It's an excellent option for truck driving school.
We have a great list of companies to get you started with. Learn about their hiring policies, pay, benefits, home time, equipment, and so much more right here.
We have two different ways you can apply for truck driving jobs. You can either apply for individual jobs one at a time or you can fill out one application and apply to multiple jobs at once.
Articles - "Finding The Right Truck Driving Job"
We have a series of articles that will help you understand how to choose the right company to work for. We cover what it's like to work at large companies versus smaller.
What kinds of things should I ask trucking company recruiters?
100 questions to ask trucking company recruiters.
Most trucking companies tend to operate very similarly to one another, as in any industry. The best trucking company for a driver to work for is the company that best suits a driver's needs.
Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part VIII: Talking With The Right People
When it comes to speaking with recruiters, there are some things to be aware of. First of all, be leery of guarantees from a company. The trucking industry is by nature cyclical and unpredictable.
Should I expect any kind of career advancement as a truck driver?
Unfortunately, there aren't a whole lot of ways to advance your career in truck driving. Many drivers instead choose to move laterally, such as into a local truck driving job or a regional position which gets them home every weekend.
Drivers tend to simply move to other companies as their experience grows to a better paying job or one with better benefits.
Forum - Can you make good money as a local truck driver?
Generally when I come across people looking to get into trucking that want to get home every night I tell them to consider other careers first. Trucking is a great career if you love to travel. But the money alone really isn't worth the headaches in my opinion if you don't want to travel.
Article - Is Trucking Worth It Anymore?
There are tons of drivers that get home every night to their families and they love their local driving jobs. No question about it. But there are a lot of careers with more room for advancement, better opportunities to make more money in the future, are far less risky, require far less scrutiny and sacrifice
Most Popular Questions Drivers Ask When Choosing A Trucking Company:
What trucking companies will hire drivers with DUI or DWI?
What trucking companies will hire drivers with a felony?
What trucking companies allow drivers to bring their pets on the road?
What trucking companies use hair follicle drug testing?
What options are available for ex-military/veterans who want to become truck drivers?
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Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
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